5th Tan-ok Film Fest highlight Ilokano “objects”

The creativity of Ilokano filmmakers took center stage as the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, through the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, premiered the 5th Tan-ok ni Ilokano Film Festival at Robinsons Place Ilocos on February 1.

The Tan-ok Film Festival commenced the celebration of Ilocos Norte’s foundation anniversary, showcasing the talents of Ilokano filmmakers while promoting the province's cultural heritage, traditions, history, and the people's daily lives and realities.

The film fest started in 2020 as an innovative response to the challenges of the pandemic lockdown when the traditional stage performances of the Tan-ok ni Ilocano: Festival of Festivals could not physically bring the people together.

This year’s competition highlights the theme of “object-making,” showcasing traditional Ilokano craftsmanship, such as intricately woven products and blacksmith creations, reflecting the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and cultural pride of the Ilokano people.

Six (6) films were featured in the event, namely “Bitor” by the Arapaap Creatives Production, “Dagiti Nalaga nga Storya” by Pelikula Ilokana, “Darang” by Lamina Productions, Of Becoming Holy by Sinemi Ditoy, PDL000 by Kwentong Tanglaw, and Woven Dreams by CineYloco.

"Bitor" explores the lives of Ilokano wedding gown designers, while "Dagiti Nalaga nga Storya" and "Woven Dreams" spotlight the basket-making craftsmanship of the women of Brgy. Uguis, Nueva Era. "Of Becoming Holy" is a documentary on the creation and caring of religious articles, "Darang" delves into the craft of Ilokano blacksmiths, and "PDL000" tells the stories of incarcerated individuals and their source of livelihood. 

Mx. Ianree Raquel, Provincial Tourism Officer, remarked on the impact of the event, saying:

“When our screens become our windows to the world, we discovered that film could do more than entertain.

It could preserve, document, and celebrate our rich Ilokano heritage in ways we never imagined,” Mx. Raquel added.

Mx. Raquel also highlighted that "this year, the six new documentaries and one special feature will show us the ever-evolving meaning of what it means to create in our province today."

The entries will be shown at the Robinsons Movieworld Cinema 4 on February 8 and 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.